Aldridge: Lucas epitomises what LFC is all about

John Aldridge has paid tribute to departing midfielder Lucas Leiva, insisting the Brazilian's legacy will live on at Anfield.

The 30-year-old brought a decade of highs and lows on Merseyside to an end on Tuesday, completing a switch to Serie A side SS Lazio.

Aldridge, who grew close to Lucas during his time at the club, believes his presence will be missed around Melwood.

“In recent times we have seen Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher - players who epitomise the club - leave," Aldridge told Liverpoolfc.com. "Lucas is the third one for me.

“He has been with us for such a long time. I remember when he first arrived and he struggled a bit and he got an awful lot of stick from various parts of the media, but he rolled his sleeves up and proved people wrong.

“Lucas became a very valuable member of the squad, and I’m not just talking about on the pitch, but off it as well - in the dressing room.

“I got to know him over the last couple of years and I have to say he is a lovely fella. He has a lovely wife, they both have great personalities and they are a great family.​"